ゆ (yu)
Pronunciation
The character ゆ represents the syllable 'yu', a soft 'y' followed by 'u' (with relaxed lips). Part of the や-row. The small version ゅ is used to form yōon syllables.
Stroke-by-Stroke Guide
ゆ is written in two strokes. Stroke 1: a long curving stroke that begins on the left, sweeps down and around in a counterclockwise loop, forming a closed shape that occupies most of the character. Stroke 2: a long vertical stroke on the right side that descends through the closed shape and ends with a small upward hook at the bottom. The closed loop and crossing vertical are the defining features.
Common Words with ゆ
- ふゆ (fuyu) — winter
- まゆ (mayu) — eyebrow / eyebrows
- ゆ (yu) — hot water
- ゆき (yuki) — snow / snowfall
- ゆび (yubi) — finger / toe / digit
- ゆみ (yumi) — bow
- ゆめ (yume) — dream
- つゆ (tsuyu) — dew
- ゆか (yuka) — floor
- えいゆう (eiyuu) — hero / heroine / great person
- おやゆび (oyayubi) — thumb
- こゆび (koyubi) — little finger / pinky / fourth finger
- さゆう (sayuu) — left and right / right and left
- じゆう (jiyuu) — freedom / liberty
- せきゆ (sekiyu) — oil / petroleum
- はいゆう (haiyuu) — actor / actress / player
- みつゆ (mitsuyu) — smuggling / contraband trade
- ゆいつ (yuitsu) — only / sole / unique
- ゆうえき (yuueki) — beneficial / profitable / useful
- ゆうかい (yuukai) — abduction / kidnapping / kidnaping
How to Write ゆ (yu) in Hiragana
The hiragana character ゆ is romanized as "yu" and is written with 2 strokes. Like "you". Example word: ゆき (yuki) — snow.
Stroke Order for ゆ
When writing ゆ, follow the numbered stroke order shown in the reference character above. Japanese characters are generally written from left to right and top to bottom. Correct stroke order improves readability and writing speed.
Practice Tips
- Print this sheet on standard 8.5" × 11" letter paper
- Start by tracing the light grey guide characters in the first column
- Then practice writing ゆ freehand in the empty squares
- Pay attention to stroke direction and order — follow the numbered guide
- For interactive practice with animations, visit the main study page
About Hiragana
Hiragana is one of the three Japanese writing systems. It consists of 46 basic characters, each representing a syllable. Hiragana is used for native Japanese words, grammar particles, and verb endings. Learning correct stroke order is essential for proper Japanese handwriting.